MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, and Wisconsin Sheriffs & Deputy Sheriffs Association commend the Wisconsin State Assembly for passing Assembly Bill (AB) 968, legislation aimed at addressing the growing illicit use of crypto kiosks across the state.
These kiosks — often found in convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores — allow individuals to convert cash into cryptocurrency, frequently charging fees of 20 to 30 percent or more.
Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin are seeing these machines used repeatedly in scams, particularly those targeting seniors and other vulnerable residents. In addition to fraud, kiosks are being used to move proceeds tied to drug trafficking and other organized criminal activity. These cases consume significant law enforcement time and resources. Once cash is converted to cryptocurrency, funds can be transferred within minutes through multiple digital wallets, often routed overseas and extremely difficult to recover.
The problem is not isolated to Wisconsin. A report from the Iowa Attorney General found that more than 98% of crypto kiosk transactions reviewed in that state were fraudulent. Nationally, the FBI reported $333 million in crypto kiosk scam losses in 2025 — a 33% increase over the previous year.
AB 968, amended, establishes a $1,000 daily transaction limit and creates clear accountability and consumer safeguards for kiosk operators.
This legislation is not anti-crypto. It is anti-fraud and tough on crime. It protects Wisconsin residents and helps stop criminals from exploiting our most vulnerable.
Wisconsin law enforcement associations appreciate the State Assembly’s leadership in addressing this growing public safety issue and urge the Senate to advance this legislation.
